Who We Are
Protect the Flows is a network of over 800 businesses in the 7 Colorado River Basin states. We own and operate businesses in communities along the Colorado River and its tributaries in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Our members include rafting outfitters, bed and breakfasts, fishing guides, outdoor retailers, wineries, birding guides, restaurants, and chambers of commerce–just to name a few.
On April 17, 2013 the Colorado River was named the Nation’s Most Endangered River. Protect the Flows was one of two groups to nominate the Colorado for this dubious distinction to call attention the the challenges the river faces. The river is at a tipping point and we must act now to rethink and redesign water management based on a conservation first framework. Watch the American Rivers video which illustrates the threats the river faces and what this nomination means and then tell Congress to to support programs that sustain the Colorado River.
We all agree that protecting the flows in the Colorado River will keep revenue flowing into our local economies. JOIN US TODAY and support our efforts to protect the Colorado River.
See Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for updates on the Protect the Flows project and the Colorado River Basin. CLICK HERE to see a map and list of the businesses in our network. If you would like to arrange an interview with a business leader, please contact Stephen Koenigsburg at (516) 398-8995.
Business Leaders
“We support this project because healthy rivers mean beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, fantastic camping locations, wonderful fishing and rafting, and incredible hiking and biking. But more importantly, healthy rivers mean healthy economies for the myriad of small towns and communities that lie within the Colorado River Basin and its tributaries.” Karen Avery, Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs- Ouray, CO

- “The Bureau of Reclamation study presents an opportunity for the federal government and the states to work together to find solutions to increasing strain upon the Colorado River’s water supply. I traveled to DC to encourage the Department of Interior and Members of Congress to seize this opportunity to keep this lifeline in the West flowing for generations to come.” Javier Trujillo, Government Relations Chair, Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce
Our Overall Goals
▪ More Jobs: We need to protect and promote jobs in the recreation and tourism industry, which is a pillar of our Western economy.
▪ Our Way of Life: Fishing, boating, hiking and other recreation opportunities keep people coming West, and the solutions produced by the Basin Study need to support this economic advantage.
▪ Common Sense: There is no money or political will available for multi-billion dollar pipe dreams. It’s time to focus on common sense solutions that we can begin to implement in the near term and keeps water cheap.
Click Here for more specifics on our preferred solutions including:
- Improved Urban Conservation
- Improved Agriculture Efficiency
- Establishing Water Banks
Click here for information on the Colorado River Basin Study.
Click here for information on the Flaming Gorge Pipeline.
Join us today to call on decision makers to take steps to protect the Colorado River. Add your businesses name to our list of over 800 supporters here.


